The guide not only explains the history of the organic movement, but also highlights several compelling reasons for certification.

Oakley comments that certification allows operations to sell at better prices, builds credibility with new customers, and immediately enlists the marketing and product identity associated with the organic label.

“[C]ertification has come to be the backbone of our operation. We like that customers can trust the standards and annual verification of our methods of product,” Oakley states in the guide’s preface.

Beyond marketing and recordkeeping, Oakley also emphasizes the value of certification to the organic movement.

“Certification is about more than not spraying chemicals on your own farm. It’s about supporting the organic movement as a whole and what happens on other farms.”